It depends on your rules & regulations, and your governing documents. Without knowing what those documents contain, no one can accurately give you an answer. Some homeowner associations pay for window replacement, some let the owner replace them but require a certain window replacement company do it - for purposes of esthetic uniformity. Some homeowner associations repair/ replace windows on a schedule. See, there's too many questions that need to be considered before giving a correct answer.

What do your governing documents say?

I don't have any governing documents. I'm just looking at a condo. It is one of the questions I wondered about. I am thinking about a lifestyle change. Thanks for the info though.

Yes. It's for sale. Good idea. I am such a nerd. I have a file going for all the buildings I like and trying to figure out pros/cons. THANKS.

If you buy a condo, be sure to ask for at least 6 months of the homeowner association board meeting minutes, and preferably a year. The minutes will tell you a lot about the association's finance, maintenance records, etc. And it doesn't hurt to talk to the property manager and/or the board president.

These are all great ideas Sephia. I am planning for retirement. This high rise ticks off of most of my boxes. It didn't have laundry right in the apartment BUT the laundry room was very close to the unit I like. I wanted to know EVERYTHING so I can make up my mind and then when I am ready--I can move on it very quick.

Sephia, that is such a smart idea!

Anne, best wishes in your search for something different! That can be an exciting time in your life. I had to shake my own cages many years ago and ended up in a small but airy condo smack on the beach.

I go to open houses to see condos. I don't want to drive a real estate agent nuts and take their valuable time away from clients ready to purchase right now. So I am gathering all my research. I nervous though. This move will eventually require me to get rid of a LOT of stuff. I would not say that I am a pack rat or hoarder. In fact my current home which is very large for a single woman (about 2500 sq ft) looks very neat and spacious. However, there is no way to squeeze 2500 into 925 sq ft without giving away loads of things. Rhizo--was it hard for you to move to a small condo????? Loved the expression "shake my own cages." I am thinking that I will be giving up things for experiences.

I would advise that you do serious research before signing on the dotted line. My brother has a condo in Florida, and they just had a special assessment of $60,000, to cover replacing all balconies and windows. They previously had hurricane shutters (the building is on the ocean); now they have high-impact glass, so they don't need shutters. You should talk to some of the residents to find out how responsive the maintenance people are, and review any documents that are available. My brother loves his condo, especially now that it has been updated and upgraded. Good luck!

Have you lived in such a much smaller space? Are you in a house now? Have you lived in an apartment building? Are you OK letting a condo board make all decisions about managing and maintaining the property while you foot the bill?

DH and I live in a 2900 sq ft one level home outside Chicago. For three months in winter -- right now, in fact -- we live in a 850 sq ft, ground floor, end unit condo on Maui. It has two full baths, a washer/dryer, and a 200 sq ft lanai with ocean view. The property is quiet, beautifully landscaped and maintained -- after all, it's a vacation rental property, with pools, tennis courts, beach across the street -- meets many 'hotel' standards. There is one unit above us. The building is 26 years old.

Our present condo board is responsible. (That hasn't always been the case in our 16 years of ownership.) There is a good reserve fund. Our assessments are fair. RE value is stable. With over 300 units on 23 acres, ownership is spread enough to withstand most market slumps. (Came through 2008 OK.)

It's been a largely positive condo experience, but it's taught us that we are not 'condo people' -- and that *these* two people (DH and I) need more living space! Lots of people enjoy condos; this is just my two cents on our experience.

Thanks for the detailed responses. I am currently in a 2500 sq ft house--alone--well, I do have a dog. I have not lived in an apartment building in over 20 years. I will be aging alone with no family. I have a lot of "family things" and more on the way when I lose my folks someday. I like the idea of living downtown in the city because I do avail myself of all of the culture and amenities currently. The difference is that from my current home, I take public transportation in or drive (about 15 to 20 minute by car). The condo does check all my boxes:

1. balcony--i love having cup of coffee outside each morning

2. two bedrooms

3. dog--allowed to dog up to 50 lbs (maybe even 2 25 lb dogs)

4. doorman--security for me and security for packages etc.

5. proximity to grocery store and public library--both are 2 blocks away--I like to both eat and read!!!!!

6. dedicated garage parking spot

7. close to doctors and hospitals

8. easy to take taxis

Negatives:

1. no laundry in condo--laundry is next door

2. $650 per month condo fee

3. only one bathroom

4. . must walk dog--no dedicated yard or dog run

5. Grandma's dining room set has to go and the chandelier too

There are other units in my price range which are larger with 2 baths/2 bedrooms but they do not have balconies.

My main struggles with all of this are parsing so my many family items AND fear that I will making a mistake. I've thought about renting to see if I like it. I own my house outright and could just move some things to see how I like it but that would be a $2000 per month experiment! I don't know. I've always wanted a mountain place so I thought maybe I could swing 2 condos when I get older. I mean I'm not a Rockefeller but I've been a great saver. I also wonder about the timing of all of this. So many people wait to try to new things in retirement and then die young!

So I recognize that I am all over the place with this post. I've posted and chimed in other conversations regarding downsizing in the past--running theme with me. I really do appreciate hearing the life experience of others!

A condo may work out just fine, but I think you can do better. The KT is a perfect place to weigh options!

I'd expect at least another half bath in a 2BR unit. What if you need assistance?

I see a lot of never-used condo balconies.

What *doesn't* the monthly fee cover? Have the fees been pretty stable over time? What are the taxes? How old is the building?

I haven't used a communal laundry for fifty years. I wouldn't want to abut one.

Can you walk a dog without using an elevator? (Can others? Thinking 'accidents'.)

Can you rent out the garage space? Few city dwellers keep a car.

Can you lease a condo for six months to see if you like it?

I like the idea of trying it out. I could call it my "pied a terre" and feel very fancy! I liked the price on the balcony condo--they run from 300-340K depending on updates. There are also townhomes near but they run about $450. They are fantastic. 3 bedrooms 2 1/2 bath. 1600 sq ft. Cute little fenced in bricked yard. Dedicated parking. Not covered. BUT they rarely come up and I think they have bidding wars all the time. They are very near to this high rise so same public amenities.

I live in a townhouse/condo with 1650 sq ft of living space spread over two floors. And no enclosed garage. I sincerely urge you, Anne, to give very serious thought to moving into a 925 sq.ft. condo from a 2500 sq.ft home. It's certainly not an impossibility...space wise...but I couldn't do it and I've given it very serious thought since I lost my husband 10 years ago. About the only room I don't use on a regular basis is my expansive living room...but I just can't give up the library space and all that dwells therein.

There's no doubt that I'd benefit from a smaller living space expense wise. But try as I may...I simply can't talk my 77 year old self into doing it. There's a certain comfort zone being surrounded by my "history" as well as having "space" that I'm not willing to sacrifice for financial relief. My knees complain about the stairs. And my AMD is a discouraging malady. But climbing those stairs is wonderful exercise...and finding new ways to exist with lesser eyesight is an educational challenge that I...so far...find more interesting than threatening.

If you're bent on moving from your home...consider something larger than 950 sq.ft. I'm almost sure you won't regret it.

One last comment. I don't know what part of the country you reside in but uncovered parking space is something else to which you should give dedicated thought. I'm a Yankee and when the snow flies...having no garage is a real challenge I wish I didn't have to confront every year. If that's a possibility for you...consider how ready you'll be when your car is covered with snow.

Whatever you elect to do...you have my best wishes.

Thank you Anne. I really appreciate your kind thoughts and your insight! The town home I like is right in the city so I could just do uber/taxis if my car is covered in snow. Right now, I don't garage my car which is crazy but my garage is really small. I can barely fit the car in there so I called it a day on the garage and now I store a big old snow blower in there! How long have you been in your town house? Did you have to downsize to move to the town house? How did you decide what belongings to keep and which could go?

Yes, I downsized to move here from a house a tad larger than yours. I've been here for 28 years but I still remember making this choice. Part of the reason I am here is because of the floor space. I easily did without 4 bedrooms and 3 baths...but one of my main needs was a full sized kitchen. Today they call them a "great room"...which is a combination of kitchen and family room. I enjoy mine immensely. I love to cook...even just for me alone. The room is large enough for a long breakfront along one inner wall, a full sized dining table/4 chairs; a low cabinet that my TV sits on; built-in book shelves on either side of the other inner wall where I have two occasional chairs on either side of a square cabinet type table. The kitchen area is separated by a long "L" shaped bar area. The outer wall is almost all window space. It's a very cheery room.

Here I have a bath and a half with the half bath being on the first level. I have a large bedroom [for a condo] approximately 14' x 14' with a full bath and vanity area on the second floor along with a full sized laundry area and a second bedroom...which is 9' x 12'...that I use as my computer/office with daybed/etc space that I could not live without. LOL I am a writer/artist/photographer and used to design/make all my wardrobe. I'd be crippled without this space. My failing eyesight denies some of my hobbies now but I'm not ready to give up my sewing machine or some of the other supplies I need to satisfy my mental good health.

When I left my private home I relinquished 2 full bedrooms, one full bath, one half bath, a sizeable dining room, a finished basement and attached 2 car garage. Do I miss any of it? Not one single bit! The excess furniture was divided up between my two siblings...or donated to those I knew would like it. I retained the things that were most important to me...furniture wise...kitchen wise...library wise...and hobby wise. My furniture has always been solid rock maple traditional in style so it's heavy and larger than most condo furniture would be. Thus...I selected the pieces that I brought here very carefully keeping size in mind.

Last but not least...consider closet space wherever you look to move. The condo architects for this development were very savvy. I have wonderfully large closets in both bedrooms; a linen closet; a pantry in my kitchen; a long wall coat closet in the living room area and a 6' x 20' long storage closet. I'd never make it without them. Although I did a lot of cleaning out after I lost my husband I still manage to need every square inch of them. LOL

If I ever were to move from here...I'd be considering a city dwelling just like you are, Anne. Although I'm quite acclimated to being a country bumpkin...I still dearly miss the city offerings. I miss the art museums and the theater...and occasionally...the opportunity to dine out at a nice restaurant where someone else does the dishes. Plus...there's a certain enjoyable buzz about city living that can't be explained but is so revitalizing and enjoyable.

I do hope you post your progression with this project. I'm very interested in what you decide to do. Keep the things that give you emotional warmth...and...the things that are necessary to plod through daily living. You'll know them when the time comes.

Just ordered a book for my kindle--Rightsizing Your Life: Simplifying your Surrounds While Keeping What Matters. Reading now. I really love the instant gratification of the kindle!

Sounds terrific! I'll have to look for it. I don't have a kindle but my library may have it. Thanks for the info. :-)

There's a Mac app and a Windows app that allows downloading and reading "Kindle" books on PCs.

Many libraries have subscriptions to a vendor named "Overdrive" that provides content of audio and E-books for downloading. Many of the E-books are available in Kindle format and, just like Kindle books that are purchased, can be downloaded to read on PCs. The difference is that the Overdrive versions you get from a library have a check out period, typically 2-3 weeks, after which they need to be renewed or applied for again.

As with an actual Kindle device, the Kindle PC apps allow the reader to enlarge the font size to make it easier to read, for those who benefit from that.

Thank you, Fudd. That's very helpful info. I didn't know such an app existed and I shall look into it. How wonderful! Another window opens. :-)

Edited to add:

I just checked and my library does offer Overdrive. I shall pursue. Once again...thank you.

You're welcome. There are also Kindle apps for iPads and Android tablets and phones if you happen to use one of those. The Amazon Kindle content "rules" work exactly the same way no matter what hardware you use. Purchased Kindle books are yours forever and can be re-downloaded anytime from the Amazon site. Borrowed Kindle books through Overdrive work as described above. Whatever hardware you have can work with books from both "sources" at the same time, no problem. In fact, when you've checked out a Kindle book from your library's Overdrive site and then click on Download, you get redirected to the Amazon site for the actual download.

Anne,

I watched an episode of Million Dollar Listing New York. The New York high rise for sale had leaky windows, which was discovered by the real estate agent when he did a walk through when it was raining outside. Some windows had puddles under them.

He knew this would be an issue to market & sell so he did his reasearch before putting on the market. He called 3 contractors and priced replacing seals and replacing all the windows.

All the windows were custom sized & had to be replaced "like" for "like" at the owners expense, per the board.

(I live in a condo also & had to replace my own windows, but the condo board had to approve them first.)

Back to the story. A seller was interested in the high rise New York condo & submitted an offer. They inluded a clause in their offer for the seller to pay to replace all the windows to finalize the deal.

The buyer declined. They renegotiated and said to at least pay 1/2 of the replacement. The buyer still declined.

All in all, the real estate agent paid a large portion to replace the windows out of his commission.

Now, of course we're talking about a $4.5 million New York high rise condo & the realtor was getting both ends of the commission deal. So it cost him $100,000 for the new windows but he still walked away with a $400,000 commission. He didn't want to loose the deal since he also found the seller a new place.

My point is - that in my experience, the owner (new or old) is responsible to fix or replace windows, but MUST follow the window requirements that are written in the condo bi-laws.

Your realtor should be able to get estimates to see what your dealing with first. Then try to get the current owner to replace or fix them in your offer. Depends on how much they want to sell the place.

They could always reduce the price to make up for the money you'll need to spend to replace in the future. Or they could say "no way". Selling as is.

A lot of folks in my neighborhood have fixed the seals on their windows to save money on replacement. I was lucky that all my windows are standard sizes. But I assume the high rise windows are all custom fit & probably old. But they must match the whole high rise to keep the building aesthetically pleasing.

As a side note at my condo. All condos have a huge bay window that consists of 3 windows. Rules are that all 3 windows must be able to slide up to open. But a few years back someone approached the board and they now approve the middle window to be a solid window that does not open, as those are more affordable. And they actually look ok.

My advise. Investigate investigate and investigate. It's not cheap but might be well worth it.

When we built our present home in 2001, I kept our MBR set, one wing chair, some lamps, and twin bed frames for the guest room. I saved small items that were dear to me, but no big pieces of furniture. If I'd had valuable antique furniture, I might have kept a few mall case goods. Everything went to a charity that came and removed it. We took a tax deduction. I bought new rugs, couches, chairs, tables, lamps, etc. I even bought new dishes.

New house. New furnishings. Fresh, new life.

"My point is - that in my experience, the owner (new or old) is responsible to fix or replace windows..."

Not necessarily true. It depends what the governing documents say. My condominium homeowner association replaces the windows. It's a budgeted line item in our reserve study. You can't compare your homeowner association's governing documents to someone else's. It's like apples and oranges.

I think that looking back over the business of the condo for six months (at least- better a year) would be helpful also, as it would give you some opportunity to see how management operates, how democratically the condo is run, or whether there are some who run it all as suits them ... but not many of the "owners".

Check with some other owners, as well.

ole joyful

Anne, I have no knowledge about condo's but if you are going to need help with housekeeping, baths, laundry, have you considered Assisted Living? Many places allow pets. My Mother was in one until she could no longer be there because of her health and it was very nice. Parking for a car if you had one, activities there and also bus trips, meals 3 times a day, helped you with bath and dressing if needed, would do your laundry twice a week, cleaning and bed making. It had a small kitchen with appliances in case you wanted to cook something. Furnished 3 meals a day and the food was very good.. You could have one or two bedroom place. You can have your own furniture or rent a furnished place. They supplied cable also and phone. Just thought I would suggest that if you don't find what you are looking for, that is something you might try for a month to see how you liked it. Rent the furnished one and then if that was not what you were looking for, move out. Best of luck on your choice.

Sue